Today’s Scripture Reading (July 12, 2017):
Ezra 5
Living next door to a Super Power is
never easy, just ask the Ukraine or any
of the Eastern European nations. As a Canadian, I would like to thank the
United States for not invading us over the past 205 years. We recognize that we
are the mouse living next to the elephant. We would like to politely ask you to
watch where it is that you put for feet. The ugly truth is that while you get
angry every time we speak of your political situation, after all, it is your
business and not ours, every decision that the elephant makes has a huge effect
on the mouse.
Take, for instance, your Revolutionary
War. I know it was over 200 years ago, but much of who we are was decided because of you. Let’s start with
our make-up. During your war, yes you attempted to invade Canada (which you did
again in 1812, the last time you made
that decision. We apologize for burning down your White House that conflict) and
you sent tens of thousands of refugees into Canada. By the way, you probably
already know this, but it is happening again.
But invasion and a massive influx of refugees were not the only things that affected us. Even the decisions of
France about Canada were all because of you. France
decided to allow Canada to remain a British colony, rather than invading us and
making us a French one – which some of us expected - because it wanted to make
sure that the mouse (somewhat smaller then) remained a thorn or a frightening
experience for the elephant (a great deal smaller then) inducing the United
States to keep their promises with France. Again, not that we are complaining.
Life as a British Colony has not been all that bad. You might have even enjoyed
it.
The point of all this is just a small
reminder of how you have an effect on us.
Again, we are not complaining. For the last 205 years,
our relationship hasn’t been terrible. But you fought a Revolutionary War
because you didn’t want to be influenced by Britain. Yes, it was tax without representation,
which made a good excuse but try to understand the way that the mice that surround
you feel. You influence us. You also tax us in the goods and services that we purchase. Our entertainment is by and large yours. We get it, we are the mouse, and you are the elephant, we need to watch carefully where it is you poop. We just ask that you would watch for
us too, and realize the tremendous
difference that your political decisions
play inside of our borders. We try to be polite in our discussions with you. We
would appreciate it if you would return the favor. After all, empires crash,
and someday it might be you writing this letter to China or Mexico – I know
that sounds impossible – asking them to be careful where they step.
What does all of this have to do with
Tattenai’s letter? Here it is. There was a very similar situation playing out
in the ancient world. Generally, Tattenai
had very good relationships with the
Jews. But there is no doubt that he was
the mouse and Darius was the elephant. And he needed to know where it was that
the elephant was about to step.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ezra 6
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